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Our W2 Executive Search Group division is dedicated to assisting quality candidates find suitable, permanent positions with companies in the fields of finance and accounting.  With several decades collective experience in the recruiting and placement field, we have the established relationships that success in your job search requires.

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Job Search and Interview Tips
There are a number of critical steps leading up to successfully landing a new job, not the least of which is your initial contact with your prospective employer through resume and cover letter.  These are the marketing tools that, if effective, will take you to the next step: The interview.  Following are some tips that will help you get through the resume writing, interview and interview follow-up process.

The cover letter
Tailor the cover letter specifically to the job opening and company. Research both the firm and the industry; use the Internet, trade publications and the library. Within the letter, demonstrate your knowledge of the field and the position's requirements, and explain why your background meets the organization's needs.

Be careful not to rehash your resume in the cover letter. Instead, focus on key aspects of your background that relate directly to the job opportunity. Address the letter to the person hiring for the position. Verify and double-check the spelling of the name and the person's title. Lastly, take advantage of your computer's spell check function, then proofread carefully. Ask others to proofread for you as well.

The Resume
First of all, a resume is a marketing tool. The same tenets that apply to marketing goods and services apply to marketing yourself. 

Start by considering your audience.  Present only the information that is relevant to the position and of interest to the person with whom you’ll be meeting.  Craft your resume message to speak to your “features and benefits”. When tire companies market tires they don’t talk about the fact that their tires come in black. Why?  It’s not a point of differentiation and most people, if not all, are more interested in durability and safety. Do the same with your resume.

Second, present your information clearly and concisely. Make it clear that you respect your interviewer’s time.  Use bullet points where you can.  Remember, too, that this is merely a snapshot of your experience and accomplishments, one that you’ll elaborate upon in your interview.  Trying to tell your entire story in two pages will make a formidable read and, more than likely, scare the reader off. Express your interest and outline your qualifications succinctly.

Lastly, double and triple check your grammer and spelling. Proofreading your own writing is almost impossible, so it would not hurt to have someone else read both your cover letter and resume carefully. Nothing will shoot a hole in your opportunity for an interview quicker than a misspelled word.

Resume writing tips
1. Don't use "I", the first person pronoun, in any part of the resume.
2. Avoid lofty language and long sentences.
3. Don't include an objective on your resume unless it is written specifically for 
    the job opening. 
4. Be accurate and truthful.
5. Describe your significant contributions at each job and, if possible, how they 
    impacted the bottom line.
6. Summarize the technologies, including hardware, software and databases
    that you have used in your career.
7. Customize your resume by focusing on your specific skills and qualifications
    as they relate to the position.
8. Focus your resume on your experience and education.
9. Include activities with professional, trade and civic associations, recent
    courses taken and special skills - such as knowledge of a second language -
    if they relate to the job opportunity.

Resume writing "don'ts"
1.  Don't misrepresent your education or career experience.
2.  Don't give reasons for leaving a job.
3.  Don't include personal information such as your height, weight, Social
     Security number, social activities, and personal or religious philosophies.
4.  Don't list references or state: "References available on request." The 
     interviewer will assume that you will provide these contacts when asked.
5.  Don't use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.
6.  Don't include your phone number or e-mail address at your current job
     unless your boss is aware of your intent to leave.
7.  Don't list your high school education if you're a college graduate.
8.  Don't provide salary information in the resume. If an ad requests a salary
     range, include it in the cover letter. Otherwise, wait until the interview to  
     discuss compensation.

Interview Tips
You have been invited to an interview because the hiring manager believes you may be a good match for the job opening. The interview will determine whether or not you're qualified for the position, motivated, and the fit they’re looking for. Not knowing enough about the company or position, displaying a poor attitude or asking questions about compensation prematurely can all leave a negative impression with hiring managers.  In short, be well prepared; performing well in your interview is absolutely essential to landing the job.

Often, how candidates behave during an interview is viewed as a barometer of how they will perform if hired. This is particularly true for accounting professionals, who must be able to present complex data and concepts to senior executives, clients and colleagues in other departments, many of whom may not have financial backgrounds. By effectively delivering information in a challenging situation such as the job interview, accountants can prove they possess the communication skills required to be successful.

Here are a few tips to help get you through this very important step in your job search:
1.  Know the exact place and time of the meeting, the interviewer's full name and
     his or her title.
2.  Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Arrive early.
3.  Research your target company thoroughly.
4.  Dress for success.
5.  Get a good night's sleep
6.  Know the information on your resume like the back of your hand. 
7.  Bring several copies of your resume and a list of references.
8.  Greet your interviewer with confidence and enthusiasm.
9.  Wait until you're offered a chair before sitting. Sit upright, look alert and
     interested at all times.
10.Listen carefully and respond succinctly and articulately.
11.Know your goals and objectives and state them clearly right up front.
12.Early in the meeting, try to get the interviewer to describe the job and the
     duties to you so you can focus your responses on your background, skills
     and accomplishments that relate to the position.
13.Be sincere and truthful while focusing on communicating your specific
     professional achievements that relate to the accounting or finance job
     opening.

Some interview “don’t’s
1.  Don't answer with a simple "yes" or "no." Explain whenever possible.
2.  If you don't understand a question - or need a moment to think about it - say
     so. Never pretend to know something or someone when you don't.
3.  Don't rely on your application or resume to do the selling for you.
4.  Don't make negative remarks about present or former employers. 
5.  Don't over-answer questions. If the interviewer steers the conversation into
     controversial - or even illegal - topics, try to do more listening than speaking.
6.  Don't inquire about salary, vacations, benefits, bonuses or retirement on the
     initial interview unless you are sure the employer is interested in hiring you. 
     Inquiring about compensation prematurely can all leave a negative
     impression with hiring managers.  If the interviewer asks what salary you
     want, give a range based on your research of the job market, but indicate
     that you're more interested in the opportunity for continued learning and
     professional development than in a specific salary.
7.  Don’t ramble when answering questions.
8.  Don’t appear desperate for the position
9.  Don’t get overly “familiar.” A good interviewer will make you feel comfortable
     right away.    It’s okay to be cordial, but seeming too comfortable can also
     seem unprofessional.
10.Don’t get emotional! Your interviewer make provoke you in an attempt to
     gauge your reaction emotionally. Don’t fall for it.

Be prepared to be asked some of the following questions:
1. Tell me about yourself.  Be prepared to respond to this question by creating a 15-second "sound bite" that describes your professional background and strongest skills in two or three sentences. Vary your response according to the specific job opportunity and offer a brief description of why you would be a good fit for the position.

2. Tell me about your background, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses. Employers who ask this question are usually looking for a short synopsis of your experience. Be sure to demonstrate how you've developed professionally and be objective when listing your strengths and weaknesses.

3. How would you describe your most recent job performance? Hiring managers tend to ask this question in order to gauge your level of enthusiasm for the work that you do. They're also looking for a direct connection between your current position and the one for which you're applying.

4.  What interests you about our company? This question seems straightforward, but it can sometimes be difficult to answer if you haven't thought about it beforehand. There are two important factors to include in your answer. The first is to use your knowledge of the company to show your sincere interest. Second, give a specific reason the position for which you're applying appeals to you (other than the fact that you need a job).

5.  Who was your most difficult boss and why? It's imperative to be as diplomatic as possible when answering this question. Avoid becoming too personal; instead, focus on your previous supervisor's management style and the manner in which he or she communicated. The interviewer is looking for some indication as to how well you would get along with your future boss, if you were hired.

6.  What outside activities are most significant to your personal development? Many employers ask this question to see what kind of balance you are looking for between your personal and professional lives. While it's good to list one or two activities, be careful not to list too many activities as the employer may wonder if outside interest will interfere with your work.

7.  Where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years? Avoid mapping out a detailed plan when answering this question. Instead, describe what you feel is the next logical step or steps in your career path.

Be prepared to ask some questions of your own:
Be prepared to ask questions of the hiring manager during the interview that are based on your research of the company and industry. Insightful and pertinent questions will demonstrate that you've done your homework and that you're serious about the position. And your questions will help both of you determine if you are the right match for the job.
Know what questions NOT to ask. Don't inquire about vacation time, benefits or your office space at the first interview. These questions are appropriate only after the hiring manager has expressed serious interest in offering you the position. Here are some questions you might ask.

1.  What would I be expected to accomplish in this position?
2.  What motivates individuals to join this company and, just as importantly, stay?
3.  What are the greatest challenges in this position?
4.  How are people treated here?
5.  How do you think I fit the position?
6.  What is a typical week like?

Closing your interview
1.  Be proactive.
2.  Reiterate your interest in the job and the company by asking about the next
     step in the process.
3.  If you get the impression the interview is not going well, don't let your
     discouragement show. Remain poised, upbeat and professional. There may
     be other opportunities in the company that would be a better fit.
4.  Be enthusiastic about the job and the company. The people you meet during
     your job search and at your interviews can become valuable networking
     sources, even if you don't get the job.

Following up with your interviewer
A great interview could yield a job offer in the days immediately following if you know how to follow up like a professional. First, make a personal phone call thanking your interviewer for her time; if she is unavailable, send an email. Next, send a written letter, typed or handwritten, that includes additional innovative ideas you have to help the organization grow. Include files or documentation -- anything that will convey how serious you are about contributing to this company's success.  If you don't get a response to any of your communications within a week, call your interviewer or hiring manager again to express your enthusiasm for the position. Also, ask when the company anticipates making a decision. Call once more a day or two after the deadline to make another inquiry. Be patient, polite and professional.

12 Key Questions for Interview Success
According to Peter Veruki in his book The Top 250 Job Interview Questions [1], there are 12 types of information recruiters/employers seek in most interviews. Knowing what these points are, and being able to discuss how each point relates to you, will make you better prepared and more in control of the interview session. Think of the 12 themes as sales messages. Each message is designed to showcase your skills and qualifications. Practices aloud delivering your 12 key messages until the words come easily in an organized and comfortable manner.

1. Passion for the Business
Ask yourself "Why am I interested in working in this field in this industry?" Do you feel passion for the business? If so, why? Give specific examples of the things that excite you. These could be anything from enjoying the challenge of meeting increasingly higher sales goals, to a sense of satisfaction derived from developing a product from the creation stage to final product. Offer personal experience where possible.

2. Motivation and Purpose
Interviewers will always want to know why you want to work for their particular company. Ask yourself, "Why do I want this interview?" Don't simply repeat your resume and employment history. What's the most compelling case you can make to prove your interest? Have your read the company's annual report? Have you researched the company using sources on the web? Be very clear on why you want the interview and the job.

3. Skills and Experience
Consider your key skills and how you will use them in this job. Avoid clichés and generalities; instead offer specific evidence. Think about your weaknesses and how you can minimize and balance them with your strengths. Try to describe yourself as objectively as possible.

4. Diligence and Professionalism
Describe your professional character, including thoroughness, diligence, and accountability. Give proof that you persevere to see important projects through, and that you achieve desired results. Demonstrate how you gather resources, how you predict obstacles, and how you manage stress.

5. Creativity and Leadership
Offer proof of your effectiveness, including creativity, initiative, resourcefulness, and leadership. What examples can you provide for each? Focus on how you overcome problems, how you take advantage of opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked, and how you rally the support of others to accomplish goals.

6. Compatibility with the Job
Discuss your specific qualifications for the job. How well do they fit the requirements of the position? Your answer should describe both positive and negative aspects of recent jobs, without dwelling on the negative. Conclude by focusing on what your seeking in you next job. Keep in mind that your response should match closely the position you are applying for.

7. Personality and Cultural Compatibility
Consider your personality on the job. How do you fit in with other types of personalities? What types of people would you enjoy working with you for hours at a time? How would the company's customers or clients react to you? Your goal is to develop responses that make the interviewer feel confident there won't be any surprises about your personality on the job.

8. Management Style and Interpersonal Skills
Talk about the management style and the interpersonal skills you use with peer groups and leaders. Focus on how you work rather than on what type of work you do well. What kind of boss, colleague, and employee will you be? Give personal or popular examples of leaders you believe are effective. Why are those people able to accomplish so much?

9. Problem-Solving Ability
Offer proof, with examples, of your problem-solving ability. How have you resolved difficult issues in the past? Are you practical in how you apply technical skills? Are you realistic?

10. Accomplishments
Think about your initiative and accomplishments. Offer examples in which you've delivered more than what was expected. Don't give long descriptions of situations; instead, focus your answer on the action you took and the positive results you obtained. If you were hired, what situations would you handle especially well? What can you contribute to the organization?

11. Career Aspirations
Tailor your aspirations to the realities of this particular job and its career path. Avoid listing job titles or offering unrealistic performance deadlines, instead, reiterate the skills and strengths you want to develop further. Do you want cross- functional experience, a larger budget, or more supervisory responsibility? Why would you be effective with that additional experience?

12. Personal Interest and Hobbies
Do you have a balanced lifestyle? Is your personality reflected in the type of job you choose as well as in the outside activities you pursue? The interviewer may be interested in your community involvement.
Remember: Never let an interview end without summarizing your twelve key messages.

[1] Veruki, Peter. The Top 250 Job Interview Questions You'll Most Likely Be Asked and the Answers That Will Get You Hired. Adams Media Corporation; 1st ed. 1999. 14–17.

All contents © copyright 2007 W2 Financial Staffing, Inc. All rights reserved.